Sport

Basketball player forced to pick between breastfeeding and Olympics

By Associated Press

June 25, 2021 | 12:32pm | Updated June 25, 2021 | 12:32pm

TORONTO — A Canadian basketball player is being “forced to decide between being a breastfeeding mom or an Olympic athlete.”

Kim Gaucher says COVID-19 rules prevent her from bringing her daughter, Sophie, who was born in March, to the Tokyo Olympics next month. In an Instagram video, she adds that she has tried appeals but “nobody can do anything.”

Canada guard Kim Gaucher passes while defended by the United States during the second half
Kim Gaucher isn’t allowed to bring her four-month-old daughter to the Olympics with her.
AP Photo

The 37-year-old Gaucher is looking into options, such as shipping milk, but has run into complications.

Gaucher says Olympic organizers have said “no friends, no family, no exceptions.”

Canadian Olympic basketball player Kim Gaucher and daughter Sophie.
Canadian Olympic basketball player Kim Gaucher and daughter Sophie.
@kgaucher/Instagram

The Canadian women’s team is ranked fourth in the world. Canada opens Olympic play against Serbia on July 26.